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Progestogen-only pill

SUMMARY

Sometimes called the “mini pill” or POP
A daily pill that contains only the hormone progestogen.
Must be taken at around the same time each day to be effective.
It’s often recommended for people who can’t take oestrogen for medical reasons.

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How it works

Stops the egg from being released by the ovaries.
Thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.

Effectiveness

About 99% effective with perfect use.
Around 91% effective with typical use.
It can take up to 7 days to start working, so extra protection may be needed at first.

Advantages

A good alternative for people who can’t use the combined pill.
Can help manage periods and sometimes makes them lighter or less painful.
Easily available with a prescription and can be collected from most pharmacies.

Things to keep in mind

Needs to be taken every day at around the same time — even a few hours late can reduce its effectiveness.
Doesn’t protect against STIs, so it’s recommended to also use condoms.
Some people may experience side effects like irregular bleeding, spotting, or mood changes.

Will anyone know I’m using it?

The pill usually comes in a packet, which can be easy for others to recognise.
Some people transfer the pills to another container to make them less obvious.
Pills need to be stored properly, as heat, moisture, or light can make them less effective.

Could someone tamper with it?

Yes. Pills could be found and thrown away by someone else.
If a pill is missed or tampered with, you may need to follow advice from your pharmacist or doctor, and sometimes emergency contraception might be needed.

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